NASA’s Artemis II mission will carry historic artefacts into lunar orbit in 2026, marking the first crewed Artemis flight and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The flight kit includes pieces from the Wright Flyer, Apollo and Shuttle-era flags, early lunar imagery, and contributions from international partners and public outreach campaigns.​NASA’s Artemis II mission will carry historic artefacts into lunar orbit in 2026, marking the first crewed Artemis flight and the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The flight kit includes pieces from the Wright Flyer, Apollo and Shuttle-era flags, early lunar imagery, and contributions from international partners and public outreach campaigns.  ​ science